Starting June 1, 2015, a Radio & TV campaign will blitz Chicago and the entire state with a message of caution for all investors. The high-profile spot, produced by Karl Productions urges investors to check with the Illinois Secretary of State to make sure their financial advisor is licensed. Karl Productions filmed in various Chicago locations on two days in May, utilizing local talent.

10 years ago, we stood inside a damp and cold Soldier Field concourse, holding lit candles, as Philip Cline announce ambitious plans to build the finest Police Memorial in the country.

10 years later, the Memorial represents a dream fulfilled. And the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation continues its tireless work honoring police officers killed or severely injured and assisting their families. We've witnessed first hand the "We Will Never Forget" motto in true and tangible ways.

Karl Productions is honored to have played a role in telling a decade of stories. Here is our video to mark the Foundation's 10-year anniversary.

Chicago-based Karl Productions will be attending this year's Illinois Emergency Management Conference in Springfield, IL as an official vendor. Over the last 24 years, Karl Productions has worked extensively with Emergency Management, First Responders, and other government agencies, producing training videos, exercise documentaries and public awareness videos.

"We look forward to meeting with members of the IEMA and exploring the trends and issues in Emergency Management," said Karl Productions President David Beedy. "We're proud of our association with IEMA and welcome opportunities to assist in their efforts ahead."

Chicago, Illinois – May 29, 2014 – The Telly Awards has named Karl Productions, Illinois State Crime Commission as a winner in the 35th Annual Telly Awards for their piece titled “Heroin Swing Set.” With nearly 12,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, this is truly an honor.

The 30-second spot - linked here -- is based on a concept first conceived the ISCC Executive Director Jerry Elsner, who commissioned Karl Productions to create a series of spots that draw attention to the "heroin epidemic" in the Chicago area.

In this PSA, an unthinkable trend is highlighted; young Chicago-area teens, hooked on heroin, are turning to selling the last thing they posses -- their own bodies. The :30-second spot depicts a young teen conducting an on-line search for "customers." The innocent 13-year old girl makes contact, and waits in a park. When the older man arrives by car, the young teen hops from a swing, gets in the front seat, and the car pulls away.

"It's a disturbing image but an important concept that parents and law enforcement need to comprehend," says Karl Productions President David Beedy.

“No matter what it costs,” says Elsner, “The Illinois State Crime Commission will assist law enforcement in tracking down these predators of our children. Winning this recognition is great, because it brings much-needed attention to this issue and saving our children. ”

The Telly Awards was founded in 1979 and is the premier award representing the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world.

“The Telly Awards has a mission to honor the very best in film and video,” said Linda Day, Executive Director of the Telly Awards. “Karl Production’s accomplishment illustrates their creativity, skill, and dedication to their craft and serves as a testament to great film and video production.”

The winning PSA was written and directed by David Beedy. Director of Photography was Anthony Flores. The PSA was edited by Dane Beedy and Post Production Manager Jamie Beedy.

Karl Productions (www.karlproductions.com) is an award-winning, "one-stop" Chicago shop for video production. For 23 years, Karl Productions has produced documentaries, training videos, web videos, Public Service Announcements and more.

How can you dramatically increase the odds your video actually produces results?

It’s a great question -- and one posed directly to two of our esteemed clients.

Philip Cline is the Executive Director of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. Phil is the one-time Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, who now focuses on raising awareness and funds for the families of police officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.

Cynthia Bathurst is the Executive Director of Safe Humane Chicago. The mission of SHC is to create safe and humane communities by inspiring positive relationships between people and animals.

While each has a separate mission, both leaders are convinced video is an important tool to tell their story. In our conversation, we asked them each to list “The Three Keys to a Successful Video.”

When the school year started this year, there were a significant number of students attending new schools. For students with disabilities, going to a new school presents unique challenges. This video, produced in concert with JJ's List, provides keen insight for students and staff.

Chicago, IL - October 2, 2013 - Young Chicago-area teens, hooked on heroin, are turning to selling the last thing they posses -- their own bodies.

This unthinkable trend is highlighted in a new Public Service Announcement released today by The Illinois State Crime Commission. Produced by Karl Productions, the :30-second spot depicts a young teen conducting an on-line search for "customers." The innocent 13-year old girl makes contact with a customer on-line, and waits for him in a park. When the older man arrives by car, the young teen hops from a swing, gets in the front seat, and the car pulls away.

The 30-second spot is based on a concept first conceived by ISCC Executive Director Jerry Elsner, who commissioned Karl Productions to create a spot that draws attention to what he calls the "heroin epidemic" in the Chicago area.

"It's a disturbing image but an important concept that parents and law enforcement need to comprehend," says Karl Productions President David Beedy.

Chicago, IL - August 15, 2013 - A newly produced Public Service Announcement which depicts a haunting "field of death" is gaining national and international attention following its release this week by the Illinois State Crime Commission. The 30-second spot is based on a concept first conceived the ISCC Executive Director Jerry Elsner.

Elsner commissioned Karl Prodctions to create a powerful metaphor for the "heroin epidemic" in the Chicago area. The Karl Productions team recently filmed a group of young adults in a wooded setting, engaged in everyday activities. One-by-one, the kids fall and "die," without notice or interruption. The final scene shows a field littered with young, motionless bodies.

"It's a chilling image and hopefully an important wake-up call for parents, law enforcement and Chicago area kids," says Karl Productions President David Beedy.

The Telly Awards has named The Chicago Park District and Karl Productions, Inc. as a winner in the 34th Annual Telly Awards for the newsmagazine “Chicago @ Play. With nearly 11,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, this is truly an honor.

The February, 2013 episode featured a piece on the Polar Plunge, in which participants take a mid-winter dip into Lake Michigan’s frigid waters in the name of fundraising for the Chicago Park District's Special Olympics Program.

Chicago @ Play is a monthly news magazine documents how Chicago Park District programs, initiatives, and partnerships are enriching lives and showcases Chicago as a world-class city for recreation, fitness and green space.

The Telly Awards, founded in 1979, represents the best work of the world's most accomplished production professionals. “The Telly Awards has a mission to honor the very best in film and video,” said Linda Day, Executive Director of the Telly Awards. “Karl Productions accomplishment illustrates their creativity, skill, and dedication to their craft and serves as a testament to great film and video production.”

This is the 14 national Telly Award earned by Karl Productions, the third for the “Chicago @ Play” program. “We are honored to work with the Chicago Park District, and are privileged to tell stories that show how our parks, green spaces, and programs are vital to this vibrant City.” said Karl Productions President David Beedy, who serves as the program's Executive Producer.

The program is produced by Angie Rojek. Director of Videography is Anthony Flores. The program is edited by Dane Beedy and Post Production Manager Jamie Beedy.

Karl Productions (www.karlproductions.com) is an award-winning, "one-stop" Chicago shop for video production. For 22 years, Karl Productions has produced documentaries, training videos, web videos, Public Service Announcements and more. Please contact David Beedy for inquiries: daveb@karlproductions.com or call 312-588-1957

Here's a piece from this month's "Chicago @ Play" news magazine -- the award-winning news magazine we produce on behalf of the Chicago Park District;

Theater on the Lake -- The Chicago Summer Theater Festival kicks off its 61st anniversary with a USO dance before the first of eight encore presentations from artistically diverse Chicago theater companies June 12 -- Aug. 11, 2013. Each production will be performed for five evenings only at the theater at Fullerton Avenue and Lake Shore Drive.

June 13, 2013, Chicago - Secretary of State Jesse White announced the kick-off of a new public awareness campaign that will raise awareness that residents should investigate before they invest.

The new campaign, written and produced by Karl Productions, includes television and radio ads airing statewide that will encourage the research of not only the investment itself but on the investment brokers, advisers and the investment company. Investors can find information on how to avoid potential con artists and scams by visiting the Secretary of State’s website at www.AvoidTheScam.net or calling 800-628-7937.

Two public service announcements will be presented that are based on actual cases from the Secretary of State’s files in which innocent people were defrauded out of their hard earned money. In addition to the commercials, two long form videos were created to inform the public about investment fraud. The videos, both can be viewed on the Avoid The Scam website, will provide information on how to be aware of potential scams. The Secretary of State’s Securities Department will also host statewide events and seminars.

Emmy Award Winning Producer Simply Explains Why Professional Video Is A Must For You and Your Business

Is video really necessary for small business owners? “Yes!”, says Dave Beedy, President of Karl Productions. “Quality is also far more important than quantity for businesses.”

Beedy offers the following guidelines on why and how professional video should become a staple component in your business marketing plans:

Video attracts customers and grows business.

Videos help capture attention! We all have but seconds to grab someone’s attention, whether it be via email, mobile, social media or on websites – just long enough to entice others to want to find out more about us, and our products and services.

Videos can easily break the ice and create an instant, positive impression. Visual mediums quickly show current and potential customers: WHO you are, WHAT you’re about and WHY you or your company is special.

Refrain from using iPhones and Androids to, “just shoot some video for your website”.

This is your business we’re talking about and you get but one chance to make a first impression. Shooting your own business video with a phone cam would be like sending a potential client your pitch on a post-it-note. Yes, it’s that silly!

Professionally produced videos provide: well-written and marketing honed scripts, expert lighting, artistic shot composition, seamless editing, motivating music tracks and quality graphics. Well-crafted videos don’t need to be long – but they need to be top notch!

Understand that cost is a negotiable thing.

Creative services of any kind are tough to price without succinct project definition. (It’s kind of like answering “how long is a piece of string?”) That said, a good professional video production company worth its salt will work with you and your budget!

Great production companies will give you Plan A, B & C options, all tooled to produce professional videos at effective cost levels.

The Telly Awards has named Karl Productions as a Silver winner in the 33rd Annual Telly Awards for their piece titled Chicago at Play. With nearly 11,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, this is truly an honor.

Chicago at Play is a half hour News Magazine highlighting the Chicago Parks Districts over 7,600 acres of parkland, 570 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 10 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, nearly 50 nature areas, and presents thousands of special events and entertaining programs. Karl Productions has produced Chicago at Play since 2008 and this is the 2nd Telly Award the program has won.

The Telly Awards was founded in 1979 and is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and online commercials, video and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world.

A prestigious judging panel of over 500 accomplished industry professionals, each a past winner of a Silver Telly and a member of The Silver Telly Council, judged the competition, upholding the historical standard of excellence that Telly represents. The Silver Council evaluated entries to recognize distinction in creative work – entries do not compete against each other – rather entries are judged against a high standard of merit. Less than 10% of entries are chosen as Winners of the Silver Telly, our highest honor. Approximately 25% of entries are chosen as Winners of the Bronze Telly.

“The Telly Awards has a mission to honor the very best in film and video,” said Linda Day, Executive Director of the Telly Awards. “Karl Productions accomplishment illustrates their creativity, skill, and dedication to their craft and serves as a testament to great film and video production.”